THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2010
The End of the Road
Impending graduation prompts look back at college years
“$65.00,” says the woman at the university bookstore.I was finally purchasing my graduation cap and gown. I took my bag, left the bookstore and headed home.
As I got home, I sat down to look at this curtain-looking gown, the one that would be covering my dress of choice. What caught my eye, even more than the gown, was the cap.
I picked it up and took a good look at the tassel. “Class of 2010,” it read. The only thought that cluttered my mind at that point was, “Weird. I have to be a big girl now.”
I held the cap at about an arm’s length away and slowly moved the tassel from the right side to the left while announcing in my head, “Class of 2010, you may now turn your tassels.”
Picturing that’s how it would be in less than 11 days, I began reflecting back on my college education. As I was sitting there looking at my turned tassel, I begin wondering what I had actually learned in those four years.
Even though it seemed like a whole lot of busy work to me, I knew that couldn’t be what a college education was all about. After reflecting back on the countless papers I wrote, I quickly shifted my thoughts to the experiences.
Opinion editor on the Reflector staff, balancing cheerleading, two to three part-time jobs and school and my internship with Indianapolis Woman were all part of my college experience. Yes, the education goes hand-in-hand, but college is really about shaping character and separating the determined from the lazy.
If I have learned anything from my college years, I have learned what perseverance is. If I can just push myself a little harder to make it through to the next assignment, semester, year, to graduation, I will walk away with a huge prize –– a college degree.
In the end, that simple piece if paper will distinguish me from the others, open doors and demonstrate my dedication and hard work.
I will leave you with a quote from Orison Swett Marden, an American writer associated with the New Thought Movement.
“Success is not measured by what you accomplish but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.”
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by Crystal Abrell
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2010
The Final Stage
With speech over, last few weeks of college are (somewhat) of a breeze
My hands became clammy while my foot continuously shook the side of my chair. I fumbled through my notes repeatedly until finally the speaker ahead of me in line announced, “I will now present to you our final speaker for this evening, Crystal Abrell.”As I approached the podium, the only thing I could think of was, Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, look at the enormous panel of judges! In a way, I almost felt as if I were on trial for a horrible crime or was about to pledge for mercy in front of a pack of wolves.
Instead, I took a deep breath and began my speech.
I knew I was nervous, and the only way to make myself feel better was to think of something to make the judges –– the intimidating judges –– laugh. So that is just what I did.
“Before I begin my speech, I want you to ask yourself a question: Is Facebook consuming college students’ lives?” I asked.
The entire panel giggled. The answer was obvious and pathetic at the same time, but at least I could now take the short time it took the panel to regain their thoughts to let off a short sign of relief followed by a deep breath.
I could then proceed through my speech.
Before I knew it, I was to the very end of my speech, the final words being, “The main thing I have learned from Senior Project and my four years as a journalism major at the university is: Appreciate the journey. I can now see how my writing has transformed over time and how my studies have prepared me to enter into the real world of journalism, equipped with the correct skills to succeed.”
I couldn’t believe the biggest speech of my college career was finally over. The hours of preparation that had went into this speech finally paid off. The last few weeks of my college career would be a breeze –– well, somewhat. I could now relax and enjoy the final weeks I had left as a college student.
As I begin my assignments this week for Indianapolis Woman, I felt as if I could begin my week of writing with a mind truly refreshed and rejuvenated. I can now be more focused on my stories but more importantly more focused on life after graduation.
A quote I included in my speech by Anton Chekhov, a Russian playwright who was master of modern short stories, read, “Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.”
After analyzing that quote, I realized the significance of it; this is exactly what we aim to do as journalists.
We try to relay the relevant and significant in an interesting but unusual way. This is what distinguished a good writer from a great writer, and this is what keeps readers interested in our work.
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by Crystal Abrell
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2010
Listful Thinking
Impending graduation brings about plenty of concerns
After a long weekend of work –– bringing me into the beginning of my spring break –– I began my week with a mind full of pondering.I am not exactly sure why all of the sudden it has hit me with seven weeks left until graduation, but I’ve realized my plate will be full of responsibilities when May 1 rolls around.
Considering that I have had this week off from school and my mind gets somewhat of a break –– other than interning –– could be the main reason why my thoughts have been running at the speed of a freight train. I simply do not have anything else to think about, and my worries have been reduced. Well, somewhat.
I began to share a number of my post-graduation concerns with a friend when he stopped me and said, “Crystal, why don’t we sit down and make a list?” In my mind I was thinking, I don’t think there is enough paper in the state of Indiana alone to create such a list, especially when we are making a list of Crystal Abrell’s concerns.
But regardless of my inner Negative Nancy, I went home that evening and began forming this list. I began the list by titling it, “Crystal’s Collection of Commencement Concerns”; we can just refer to it as the Four C’s from this point on.
The list of the Four C’s began something like this:
1. Apply for as many jobs as possible.
2. Find a job.
3. Look for apartments.
4. Move into my own apartment.
5. Review new health care plans.
6. Find and began a health care plan.
7. Consolidate college loans.
8. Began paying college loans.
And the list went on until I decided this whole list idea might have not been the best suggestion considering the contents of mine.
What I did realize was something a little different. What I needed to do was take the largest chill pill I could find and realize that these things are just going to have to fall into place. There is no need to place myself in such state of distress. What I really needed to do was enjoy the last couple months I have left as a student before the dreaded adult world.
The same friend that shared this brilliant list idea with me also shared a quote that truly caught my attention. He said, “When they close the door, God will open a window for you or another door will open.”
The important thing to remember with this chapter or door closing in my life is, everything happens for a reason. I need to keep my hopes high, stay determined and opportunities will find me.
I just have to be willing to climb or walk through whatever window or door I discover.
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by Crystal Abrell
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3, 2010
Progress Report
Seeing writing improvement is always a good thing
After finishing up the Enhancing You section for March, I reflected back on my work and came to an exciting realization. This realization dawned on me when I was preparing for senior project at my university.You’re probably thinking, “What is senior project?” Senior project is a class communication majors at my university take their senior year in order to reflect back on a piece of work and make it better.
Once they make it exceptional, they present it in front of a board of judges –– judges being professors that have watched you grow from a student to a professional –– and show off everything you’ve learned through a complete re-design of that work.
I know you’re saying out loud, “Exciting!”
My thoughts exactly.
But, back on track. I decided to re-design an article I wrote titled “Addressing Facebook Usage,” which was an article for which I had actually won an award previously.
When I re-read it and reflected back on my work from Indianapolis Woman, specifically the Enhancing You section, I was shocked to see how my writing had evolved and developed.
My previous work could be described by one simple word: boring. Writing at the magazine has taught me how to write with a voice and one that readers actually like to hear at that.
Although I know I have much more to learn, it is a good feeling to know that I’m taking steps in the right direction. With graduation in a little over two months, these are definitely necessary feelings to have.
I’m now working on an adult education section for April. So far, so good. Now that midterms are over, I’ll be able to invest my energy into finishing that assignment. I look forward to seeing how that turns out.
I also look forward to what is to come and seeing my work at the end of this journey. Nothing is more gratifying –– in my eyes –– than seeing my hard work in print for others to enjoy and gain knowledge from.
I figured since I’ve included an inspirational quote in most of my previous blogs, I might as well keep the tradition going. I will leave you with this: “You must have long-range goals to keep you from being frustrated by short-range failures.”
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by Crystal Abrell
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010
My word for the day is frazzled
I always like to try to broaden my vocabulary and today I was feeling overwhelmed. So I decided to look up synonyms for this wonderful state I was in, and “tada” there it was.Frazzled: noun, pronounced fraz-uh ld
1. the state of being frazzled or worn-out.
2. to become exhausted physically or emotionally.
This was my way of bringing a little humor to the stressful state I have been in.
School has officially begun, along with the rest of my life, and it seems as if I’m just not ready for it. It’s about that time in the semester when I have to start turning in papers, taking exams/quizzes, and anything else you could dream up.
As I was finishing up the ‘Happenings’ section for Indianapolis Woman, I realized writing upcoming events that included: who, what, when, where, why and how, was somewhat monotonous and time consuming. Although, to be clear, I am in no way complaining. I am appreciative of every opportunity that is given to me.
Recently, I’ve been working on the ‘Enhancing You’ section for the March issue. I am enjoying it; it is a lot more exciting than other things I am used to writing about. I get to talk about botox, liposuction, hair replacement, facelifts, basically all types of body contouring. I get to interview with many doctors or surgeons with an abundance of information to offer.
At first, I was somewhat uncomfortable with doing interviews over the phone, but now after doing more than enough, it is almost second nature. I am starting to learn what works, what doesn’t, the easiest way to obtain information and much more.
Recently, the hardest thing for me to has been how to write my articles as if I was speaking (i.e adapting a conversational tone). I have learned it is a much better way for the reader to connect with what they are reading. Shari, the editor-in-chief, explained it to me like this, “write as if you are talking to your best friend.” After that it made much more sense, and I feel like I am getting better.
Overall although the last week indeed has had me frazzled, not to get confused with defeated, I have learned a lot and gained many experiences I wouldn’t have had without this opportunity.
I am more than excited to see how much my writing will transform by the end of my internship. One of my favorite quotes, that keeps me going, from good ole’ Abe Lincoln, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing.” When I say this to myself repeatedly, I always find a way to push forward.
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by Crystal Abrell
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2010
I’ve Only Just Begun,
So far, so good for new IW intern
Where do I even begin?The first day I went into the office, I was not sure what to expect.
When I first got there, I sat in on a staff meeting with the editorial and production staff. It was somewhat intimidating at first, especially when the president/CEO and publisher, Mary Weiss, sat right next to me in the meeting and later asked me about my schooling and myself.
I was surprised at how down-to-earth and nice everyone was. Being the new intern and very low on the totem pole, I didn’t really expect that, but it was definitely a relief.
Editor-in-Chief Shari Finnell was very helpful. She sat down with me and helped me with my edits, which was very cool. I felt in a way I learned more with her in an hour than I had all throughout my newspaper job at my college. It is easy to see why she is such a good writer.
After I finished all of my first assignments, to be quite frank, I was surprised with how well everything turned out. I was worried they were terrible, but after Shari helped me figure out how to write my profiles, I felt pleased and reassured.
After my first day, I felt special to have a desk, e-mail, login name and password. I know it sounds kind nerdy, but it felt good to get addressed as Miss Abrell during an interview and to dress up like a big girl. It made me realize I was becoming an adult, and it was an exciting feeling.
Realizing how long my Tuesdays were going to be was somewhat hard for me. Going into the office at 10 (even though I shouldn’t complain with a late morning), then to night class, dance practice and getting home at 11 p.m. will be one of the things to which it will be hardest for me to adjust.
I’ll find a way to manage. When I’m busy, I’m more successful –– or at least I stay away from the peer pressures that come with the “college life.”
Although I worked all weekend and am not really ready for the new week to begin, I’m excited to see what the week brings –– whether it’s more assignments like before or something new and fun.
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by Crystal Abrell
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2010
Introducing our newest intern
Say Hello to Crystal Abrell
Excited, overwhelmed, surprised, and eager are all words that could describe my feelings at the start of my internship. When I received my first assignment, I was surprised at the amount of work that really went into “one” assignment. I soon realized that one assignment really equaled a few assignments sorted into one category.My first assignment was pertaining to education. I got the opportunity to create a quiz, write two profiles, gather pictures, and write an article on the status of financial aid for students in the given economy.
It was very different conducting my interviews over the phone verses in person. At my college publication doing interviews in person was required, and over the phone or via email was frowned upon. It was a lot easier to contact people over phone and email verses having to set up times to meet with them, especially with conflicting schedules. This was one aspect of the internship that felt like a breath of fresh air.
All through my college education I wrote for a newspaper. Interning and writing for a magazine is much different than I had expected. I am trying to quickly learn the style of Indianapolis Women’s Magazine, as well as how to write for a magazine publication in general.
I am quickly learning that getting things done early is important, and that modeling my study habits from college will not work for my internship. Something positive I feel I will take from my experience at the magazine is learning effective time management. Balancing my studies, part-time job, dance practice, social life, and family will be one of my biggest challenges.
When my friends asked how my internship was going, it was easy to tell I was overwhelmed and discouraged. I realized I have a lot to learn, but I am excited because I know it will make me a better writer, which intern makes me feel eager. I am very grateful for such a great opportunity that will greatly develop my writing skills.
It was hard for me to get back into the swing of things, especially still being on break, but I am excited to see what the future will bring. With graduation around the corner, my experiences at the magazine will better my chances of finding a good job quickly after I obtain my degree.
Whenever I become discouraged I like to reflect back to one of my favorite quotes my roommate introduced me to early in my college career, “No one said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it,” and I find the strength to persevere.
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by Crystal Abrell
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